Cape, Kruger and Vic Falls

Feel the immense power of nature deep within your chest as you marvel at the roaring waters of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River.

The falls are among the largest in the world, an on-foot tour reveals all the best vantage points to witness this remarkable feat of nature. You’ll also experience a much calmer side of the Zambezi River on a picturesque sunset cruise as hippos, crocodiles, elephants and abundant birdlife patrol the banks. Those sights are only matched by your game drive on the savannah of the Kruger National Park where lions, leopards, zebras and cheetahs all prowl in the golden afternoon light. There’s also much to discover in cosmopolitan Cape Town, among the vibrant cobbled streets of traditional Bo Kaap, and on the breath-taking coastal drive to the Cape of Good Hope.

This is an all-encompassing tour that combines the best of coastal South Africa with the stirring sights of the savannah and the abundant wildlife of the mighty Zambezi River. Accommodation at traditional safari lodges is designed to capture the spirit of a traditional African safari, while the Dutch-colonial architecture and historic grandeur of your other hotels weaves a rich tapestry of African cultural life. And shared tours with experienced guides reveal the stories behind the sites.

Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.

Itinerary

Cape Town

Welgelegen

Day 1: Cape Town

Upon arrival into Cape Town, you will be met at the door of your aircraft with your name on a paging board. You will be assisted through immigration, baggage collection and customs. You will then be shown to your onward flight, or to your awaiting transfer vehicle. Should you be collecting a rental car, you will be shown to the vehicle rental collection office.

Upon arrival you will receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary with pick up and drop of times. Includes a Kensington Tours branded envelope with summary itinerary, e-tickets and map.

Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

Accommodation: Welgelegen

Malay Quarter

Day 2: Cape Town

Today you will be met by your guide and coach for a morning exploration of the Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take in the Houses of Parliament, the Castle of Good Hope (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa’s oldest building), lively Greenmarket Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain which will give you spectacular views over the city and Peninsula (cable car fee is not included as it is weather dependent). On your descent, you stop at the Bo Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses. You will have the choice of being dropped off at the Waterfront to experience this vibrant location at your own pace, with its many shops, restaurants and pubs or at your hotel at the end of the tour.

*Tour runs with a minimum of 2pp and a max of 12pp.

Accommodation: Welgelegen

Penguins

Day 3: Cape Town

Today you'll join a small group (max of 12) to embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. You take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island. From here you drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as have spectacular views over False Bay. You enjoy lunch near here (not included – own account) before continuing to Simonstown, the naval base, and visiting the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. En route back you stop at the world renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before returning back to your hotel.

Hand luggage: One bag allowed in addition to one slimline laptop bag. No bag should exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (total dimensions of 115 cm including handles and wheels) weighing not more than 7Kgs.

Enjoy your private vehicle transfer from Hoedspruit to your lodge in Kruger. The time on the road can vary depending on the location of the lodge, from 30 min to 2 hours.

This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependent on availability.

Accommodation: Garonga Safari Camp

Lion

Kruger

Day 5: Kruger

Before first light you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your early morning game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge for breakfast. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost depending on availability.

After lunch you may wish to stay at camp and siesta instead of continuing on with the game viewing drive into the afternoon. Although the heat minimises animal movement it is always worth going on a game viewing drive after lunch. Sometimes it's nice to park up at a waterhole and wait patiently to see what animals come to drink. You never know what you might see! Late afternoon is another productive time for game viewing as the day starts to cool down ensuring further animal movement.

Accommodation: Garonga Safari Camp

Kruger Game Drive

Day 6: Kruger

One of the more productive times to enjoy game viewing is first thing in the morning before the heat of the day kicks in. After a few hours of early morning game viewing, you will head back to your lodge for breakfast.

Enjoy game viewing, including a “sun downer” and another evening game drive, sign up for additional activities or simply relax today.

Accommodation: Garonga Safari Camp

Johannesburg

Protea Hotel Fire and Ice

Day 7: Kruger - Hoedspruit - Johannesburg

Enjoy your private vehicle transfer from Kruger to your lodge in Hoedspruit. The time on the road can vary depending on the location of the lodge, from 30 min to 2 hours.

Take your flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg today. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Hand luggage: One bag allowed in addition to one slimline laptop bag. No bag should exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (total dimensions of 115 cm including handles and wheels) weighing not more than 7Kgs.

Includes private transfer between the Victoria Falls airport and your lodge.

This evening you are transferred to the jetty, where you board the newest, sleekest and largest cruise boat operating on the Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi River, the Zambezi Explorer. The boat's on-board facilities run exclusively on solar energy. From here you cruise along towards Palm lsland and Kandahar lsland to enjoy a picturesque African sunset on the Zambezi River. This cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the River, with the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, elephant and many different bird species. Your cruise includes snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks, framed by many beautiful photo opportunities. Enjoy the nice seating area and professional service. The signature deck has comfortable lounge chairs and sofas, and a wider selection of premium beverages.

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

KoMpisi Village Tour

Victoria Falls

Day 9: Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls are a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. You'll meet up with others in the lobby of the hotel and start out for your tour. The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. The Local people call it "Mosi-oa-Tunya" -- the smoke that thunders and the Falls are remarkable. There is a magic about them manifested in the towering column of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water, the terrifying abyss and tranquil lagoons upstream in which hippo and deadly crocodiles lurk. The Victoria falls is 1 708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic metres of water plummet over the edge every minute. Different times of the year will provide completely different experiences of the Falls region. Peak flood season is around March and April and the full power of the falls can be experienced in all its glory. As the floods abate the view of the falls gets better and better through the year, but at it’s lowest, around November and December the Falls become little rivulets running over the edge and in some places along the 1,7km width no water falls at all. You'll have the afternoon free.

What's Included:

Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Hotels

Welgelegen

Deluxe Room

Welgelegen - Cape Town

Welgelegen is an urban sanctuary that offers so much more than just overnight accommodation. The 13 individually styled en-suite bedrooms provide a quiet luxury that embodies the entire hotel. A spacious high-ceilinged sitting room and a cozy, rich library adjoin a grand breakfast room, all filled with contemporary furnishings and eclectic African art. The breakfast room opens out to a cobbled courtyard enclosed by ivy-draped walls that dips into a revitalising plunge pool, the perfect way for one to temper the sultry South African sun. The essential oils burn, the hearty African music resonates and the old Victorian build lends its old soul. One cannot help but feel at home, away from one’s own. Welgelegen is truly a sanctuary in the heart of town.

Garonga Safari Camp - Kruger

Garonga Safari Camp is an exclusive 12 bed camp in the greater Makalali Conservancy situated west of the Kruger National Park. This unassuming sanctuary promises an intimate wildlife encounter in an unhurried environment where you can unwind, sleep deeply and be yourself.

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice - Johannesburg

The urban, contemporary and edgy Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch is the latest hot-spot in the trendy Melrose Arch Precinct, a unique city within a city, which boasts a new variety of trendy retail & leisure amenities. Following the success and conversations around its predecessor in Cape Town, this contemporary hotel guarantees to spice-up any visit to Jozi and is aimed at the traveller who enjoys being amidst the energetic urban vibe of the cool city life. The hotel is the choice amongst the “forever young” set and offers affordability and value for money mixed with a sense of unique style, unlike anything seen before in this market.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge - Victoria Falls

Set high on a natural plateau, the westward facing Victoria Falls Safari Lodge borders the Zambezi National Park and is just four kilometers from the thundering Victoria Falls, Southern Africa's most famous attraction. Enjoy magical views of the spectacular African sunsets and year round wildlife at the on-site waterhole. This award winning flagship lodge has 72 en-suite bedrooms with private decks to enjoy exquisite views of the African landscape. Located within the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s central hub, MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant features traditional African cuisine paired perfectly with crisp South African wines. The open-plan Buffalo Bar is the perfect venue for all-day refreshments, snacks, light meals and cocktails. The Boma – Place of Eating provides a unique cultural experience that bombards the senses with the tastes, sights, sounds and smells of Africa, together with the warmth and hospitality of Zimbabwe and its people. Guests staying at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge enjoy a courtesy shuttle to and from The Boma. Sunbathe by the swimming pool on the sun deck or relax in the guest library and games room. Situated in the lodge, the activities desk is available for guests wishing to arrange exciting guided safari walks, bird watching, private bush dinners and more!

Map

Reviews

Africa
Sachi Gowda ,
December 15, 2014"We are extremely happy with your service from beginning to end and we had very a memorable trip."

Africa
Ronald Jones ,
December 12, 2014"I cannot express how fabulous our trip was!! I know it was made that way thanks to ALL the kind, knowledgable, and helpful people that you all placed in our path. Many went above and beyond to make our experience even more positive. From drivers, to guides, to hotel staff---we met some wonderful people that we can now call friends. Thank you Christine and Kensington tours for this once in a lifetime African adventure!"

Africa
RonJones ,
December 15, 2014"Christine, our family trip was ALL we wanted it to be. The hotel accommodations in the cities were GREAT. We needed to make some room assignment adjustments but that's to be expected with a large family with children and same names.
I don't know where/how ya'll got those guides but...KEEP'EM! In both Cape Town and Joberg the guys knew their cities and environs excellently. Their English was very good...so good in fact that several got the sarcasm and even joked some. I do apologize if we over-tipped. I relied on each family to tip their own driver but, I wasn't sure of their "sense of what was right" so I followed up with something for each.
Simbavati was "PERFECT". As much as Glenda and I really liked Ngala, I do not think they could have handled a family as well...UNLESS, they had accommodations we did not see.
Please rest assured when ever I plan to travel on a multi-dimensional trip in the future, for sure with a group, or maybe just Glenda and I, I'll be calling Kensington... Christine and Donna specifically. And most definitely, anytime I can recommend a travel professional, your company and you two will be mentioned by name!
Thank you again Christine...you presented us the exact trip we dreamed about for our family and your folks on the ground made it happen! I sincerely hope you, Donna and everyone else involved have a most Blessed Christmas and a wonderful, successful New Year!"

Africa
Bruce Lundstrom ,
December 15, 2014"Morocco has a lot to offer. Food, historic sites, craftsmen (rugs, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, etc.), natural beauty, roads and infrastructure, and a reasonably safe environment. Both Guide (Abdel) and Driver were excellent. Service-oriented, timely and easy going. Abdel was not afraid to speak his mind, offer suggestions and give us feedback on ideas. We enjoyed their company."

Africa
AlbertLind ,
December 09, 2014"A truly wonderful trip......first class accommodations and service in each venue....the guides were knowledgable and went out of their way to insure that we could see and understand Africa. Capetown is a fascinating city, Sabi Sands an extraordinary private game preserve, and Zimbabwe with Victoria Falls and the Victoria Falls Hotel a once in a lifetime experience. For those who want to visit Africa we enthusiastically recommend Kensington Tours. And Jolene Plant stayed with us in every step during the planning of our trip and itinerary. We saw as much of Africa as much as anyone can during our two weeks vacation."

Africa
Belinda Skelton ,
December 12, 2014"This was one of the most amazing trips that I have ever had. The custom tours and activities exceeded my expectations. I was traveling alone but felt safe and in good hands. The process of booking the trip with Lily Baffour was so easy and personal, especially with the constant communications from her up to my departure. Thank you Kensington Tours for an awesome experience. I will definitely use you for my next adventure!"

Africa
NancyGarret ,
December 12, 2014"Our week-long tour in Morocco went without a hitch in the company of a great driver and knowledgeable guide who were always prompt, courteous, helpful, and very nice. Kensington Tours' picks for our overnight accommodations were excellent, as well as the excursions planned for us. We're grateful to our conscientious agent, Lily, who went out of her way to make us feel welcome in Morocco. We feel confident that we are in very capable hands whenever we travel with Kensington Tours. "

Africa
KarenKuwahara ,
December 12, 2014"Our trip was a perfect 10 - exceeding all expectations! Starting with Christine Willner's attentiveness to our wish list and balancing it to our budget, every leg and element of our journey took place without so much as a hiccup. We were blown away by the quality of our tours, accommodations and guides. Thank you for giving us a great experience and wonderful memories!"

Africa
Rebecca Warren ,
August 02, 2014"My 26 year old daughter recently traveled alone to Madagascar using Kensington tours. I was a little concerned about her safety and wanted to make sure that she would be well taken care of. Kensington was great from start to finish. Our travel agent, Marc Sisson, put together the tour in very short order with very little notice, had no problem doing it for just one person, and gave me a sense of security that my daughter would be well cared for. She did the Anjajavy 5 Day Beach extension. The tour guide who picked her up at the airport in the capitol city was outstanding -- very knowledgeable and helpful. The Anjajavy hotel was extraordinary. Her pictures are breathtakingly beautiful. She kayaked, swam in the ocean and saw lemurs feeding. She got to practice her French with the outstanding hotel manager and otherwise was able to just relax and unwind. She described the experience as "visiting Eden." I highly recommend Kensington. I contacted a number of tour/travel agencies and none of them compared to Kensington. "

Africa
Shayna Maislin ,
April 21, 2014"I would highly recommend the tour guide that we had in the Serengetti . He was extremely knowledgeable, very helpful and courteous. We all agree that Kensington has first class staff working for them in Africa. All the camps that we stayed at were absolutely beautiful except perhaps for the one in Lake Manyara. All in all it was a spectacular trip!"